La Farfalla Cafe (Escondido CA) *****

I was in the need to dine out with just the hubby and wanted something outside the typical Outback or PF Changs dinner. I was told about this place located in Escondido called La Farfalla Café that had Gluten Free items on their menu. Of course when I hear of such things I HAVE to check it out! La Farfalla Cafe is a quaint place nestled in between some other shops on Orange Ave. It is quite small and looks to hold about 26 people for inside dining. It feels very family dinerish and home like. I personally loved the ambiance. The place was also packed and people were waiting to be seated. Seems La Farfalla has a nice following!

Meet Lacy a new GFF! Lacy, her husband and son were sitting at the table next to us. Of course the social person I am started a conversation. Lacy was just as social and we got to talking about why she was Gluten free. Unfortunately, Lacy has fibromyalgia and has found that by going Gluten Free has helped.

So, Started off with the Soup of the day which was the Coconut lemongrass with Chicken. The taste was very simple and VERY refreshing. Cilantro topped the soup which had mushrooms, lemongrass and chicken. YUM! My husband, one who doesn't like coconut, even tried it and ate half. We also talked another couple sitting a couple tables away into trying it. Pleased to say they loved it too!

The bread that came to the table was made fresh and was really moist. It didn't fall apart unlike other gluten free breads. I would love to buy a loaf and take it home.

If I had a chance to order again I think I would have ordered another entree and not one so simple. The entree I ordered was a Pesto Pasta off the menu that came with a salad. The only reason I should of tried something different is that I can make Pesto Pasta at home. I should of picked something I wouldn't ever make at home... there's always next time.

The Pasta came with a side salad which was really good! it had mixed greens, carrots and cucumbers. I would of hoped for some tomatoes as well. Anyways, I had the Italian dressing and it was absolutely fabulous! I wanted to drink it. LITERALLY! The dressing was that good. Very Italian if I might add. it had everything you would think and Italian dressing would have... wouldn't change a thing there!

DESSERT! You cant forget dessert! The gluten free cream puffs where heaven!!! The hubby couldn't believe they were Gluten Free. The custard was perfect! The texture was perfect! THEY WERE HEAVEN! I found that these puffs were an experiment by the Chef there. Well two thumbs up! Maybe try an eclair your next experiment.

The main reason I went to La Farfalla Cafe was to try the carrot cake. This was another taste of heaven! The cream cheese frosting was perfect! Texture, being Gluten Free everything is about texture and it was just like I remember! Soft, cinnamon, sweet.

Me Enjoying my soup. Hubby, watching me enjoy my soup!

Chicken Tortilla Soup

This Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe has taken me several years to perfect. The good thing... its been Gluten Free all along!

 

Preheat oven to 400

Pizza Slicer, Cookie Sheet and Large Stock Pot needed.

 

Ingredients

4 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cubed (small bite size cubes)

2 - 14.5oz cans Chicken Broth

1 - 14.5oz can Petite Diced Tomatoes

1 - 11oz can Corn Nibblets, drained

1 - 4oz can Chopped Green Chilies

1 tbsp Minced Garlic

½ Large Onion, chopped

1½ tbsp Chili Powder (split 1 tbsp and ½ tbsp)

1 tbsp Cumin (split ½ tbsp and ½ tbsp)

¼ tsp Sea Salt

To Top Soup

6 White Corn Tortilla’s

1 Large Avocado, sliced

1 Bag Shredded Mexican Cheese Mix (Monterey Jack or Cheddar)

1 Bunch Cilantro, snipped

1 Lime, sliced

 

Directions

While oven is heating to 400 degrees lay out the White Corn Tortillas on the cookie sheet. Using the Pizza Slicer cut the tortillas into thin strips. Place in oven for 12-15 minutes or until crisp. Repeat with the rest of the White Corn Tortillas. Cube the Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast and place in Stock Pot. Mince Garlic and chop Onion and add ½ tbsp Cumin and 1 tbsp Chili Powder in Stock Pot and cook on high heat until the Chicken is mostly cooked. Add the Diced Green Chilies, drained Corn Nibblets, Petite Diced Tomatoes, Chicken Broth, ¼ tsp Sea Salt, ½ tbsp Cumin, and ½ tbsp Chili Powder to the Stock Pot. Stir and bring to a boil for 5 minutes and than lower to a simmer for 12 minutes.

This soup is great with El Torito's Sweet Corn Cake. YUM! You can buy it at Vons if you have one near you!